Randolph’s biggest test

For more than a decade Willie Randolph wanted to manage in the majors.

He finally got his chance. The first year was about learning. Last year they coasted into the NLCS and missed the Series because their hitting disappeared and injuries to Pedro Martinez and Orlando Hernandez.

Now, the Mets are heading south and on the verge of blowing a seven-game September lead. This is the toughest it has ever been for Randolph in that chair. This is the time for him to prove his mettle.

John Delcos enters his third season covering the Mets for The Journal News after eight seasons on the Yankees beat. Prior to coming to New York, John covered the Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians.